Thursday, September 21, 2006

Masih, 49 and Christine Raymond, 42, left Pakistan 2 years ago because of persecution. They became Christians and sought asylum in Glasgow. But, they were denied, and were to be deported last night. But, at the last minute, they sought sanctuary in the Scottish church in Glasgow. The priest gave up his living quarters for the couple.

The couple has lived in Glasgow for 18 months, and has attended the church. Father Nugent said the parish will offer them support and a place to live until extradition is no longer a threat.

They fear they will be persecuted even more, if they return to Pakistan, although the Pakistani Consulate general says they have nothing to fear. But, they have had stones thrown at them, because of their religion, and churches have been burned. Masih had a stroke recently, and he also suffers from diabetes and high blood pressure.